Hand protection system

ABSTRACT

A system which in use is mounted onto a glove for protecting the back of a user&#39;s hand comprises a plurality of elongate, flexible strips, each overlying a respective finger. Each strip has a first end portion serving as sole means of fixedly attaching the strip to the glove, usually in the vicinity of the fingertips, and a remaining portion, extending to the second end of the strip, which is free to move relative to the glove. In this respect, a plurality of discrete guide structures are attached to the glove at a spacing remote from the first end portion) of each strip so that the strip extends across, through or into the guide structure and is held in position on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis of the strip. The guide structures may be configured to provide a closed tunnel through which the strip extends, or in other versions may be open so that opposing engagement lugs slidingly retain side edges of the strip. Optionally, a plate assembly is mounted over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand and is configured to provide plural guide portions into which the free second end portions of at least some of the strips are received in slidable manner.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to European patent application no. EP09173334.5, filed Oct. 16, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a hand protection system for a glove,particularly but not exclusively for use in sports such as motorcycling.

BACKGROUND

Most currently available protective gloves for use in motorcyclingincorporate protective pads over the region of the main knuckles (wherethe metacarpal bones connect to the proximal phalanges). These are oftenrigid and uncomfortable and only provide limited protection at the frontof the knuckle, a region particularly prone to impact. Some currentlyavailable protective gloves also include protective pads positioned overthe proximal and intermediate phalanges bones of at least some of theindividual fingers, but provided no protection at the joint betweenthese bones, again a region particularly prone to impact and injury.

US 2006/048259 (EP 1632273) discloses a finger protector for a sportsglove, in particular a goalkeeper glove, comprising a plate that isconnected in one piece with strips which overlie respective fingers ofone hand. Each strip consists of a chain of members and an underlyingband. The chain of members are connected in one piece with each otherbut can be moved relative to each other (towards and away) by virtue ofthrough holes extending transverse to the chain direction. Theunderlying band has nipples which are pushed into the through holes.Such a finger protector is integrated into that part of a gloveassociated with the back portion of the user's hand, embedded in a layerof soft foam plastic or foamed textile composite, possibly detachablyand interchangeably. The aforesaid chain of members has flexibility butis attached at multiple points to the nipples of the underlying band andthe whole protector is mounted into the fabric of the glove with noprovision for displacement relative to the glove.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved handprotection system which allows for protection of the entire fingers,including joints, which are the most vulnerable parts, withoutcompromising the ability of the user to bend and stretch the fingers,thus enabling gripping in the normal manner, and without compromisingcomfort for the user.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention a handprotection system for mounting onto a glove is provided that comprises aplurality of elongate flexible strips, each strip positioned to overliea respective finger, and each strip having a longitudinal axis betweenfirst and second opposing ends, characterized in that each strip has afirst end portion serving as sole means of fixedly attaching the stripto the glove and a remaining portion, and in that a plurality ofdiscrete guide structures are provided, adapted for attachment to theglove at a spacing remote from the first end portion of each strip sothat the respective strip can extend across, through or into the guidestructure and be held in position on the glove in a manner which allowssliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip along thelongitudinal axis of the strip.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention a glove onto which such a hand protection system is mounted is provided, the glovehaving a plurality of elongate flexible strips overlying respectivefingers, each strip having a longitudinal axis between first and secondopposing ends, characterized in that each strip has a first end portionwhereby the strip is fixedly attached to the glove and a remainingportion, extending to the second end, which is free to move relative tothe glove and in that a plurality of discrete guide structures areattached to the glove, at least one for each finger, at a spacing remotefrom the first end portion of each strip such that the strip extendsacross, through or into the guide structure and is thereby held inposition on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement ofthe remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis of thestrip.

At present, two basic forms of the guide structures are envisaged. Afirst version is configured to provide only edge engagement means forslidingly retaining side edges of the respective strip. Such a versionis open across the upper surface of the strip. Such a version maycomprise a unitary structure having opposing confronting edge engagementmeans, or may comprise two separate halves which face each other andprovide the respective edge engagement means.

A second version is configured to provide a tunnel through which or intowhich the respective strip extends. Such a version extends completelyacross the upper surface of the strip. The tunnel provided may be openat each end, in which case the strip may extend right through.Alternatively, the tunnel may be closed at one end so as to form,effectively, a socket for receiving the second end of the respectivestrip, i.e. into which the second end of the strip will project in use.

The aforesaid flexible strips and guide structures may be provided onthe glove as the totality of the hand protection system. However, it ispossible, even likely, that an additional protective plate or pad, whichmay be of entirely conventional form, may be provided in addition to theaforesaid strips and guide structures, said plate being mounted over theknuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand. Whether or not such anadditional plate or pad is provided, the first end portions of thestrips may be secured to the fingers either adjacent tips of the fingerswith the displaceable remaining portions extending towards the knucklesor adjacent to the knuckles with the displaceable remaining portionsextending towards the fingertips, in each case passing across or throughor into respective guide structures.

In a development of the present invention a plate mounted or mountableonto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand isadditionally provided, said plate being configured to provide pluraladjacent guide portions for the second ends of the respective strips. Ofcourse, with such an arrangement the first end portions of the stripsare secured to the fingers, distally of the plate, adjacent the tips ofthe fingers, with the displaceable remaining portions of the stripsextending towards and into the aforesaid guide portions of the plate.Just as with the discrete guide structures, these guide portions alsomay provide only edge engagement means for slidingly retaining sideedges of the respective strips or alternatively may be configured toprovide tunnels into which the respective second ends of the stripsproject.

Also within the scope of the invention are embodiments where first endportions of the respective strips are permanently connected to a plate,which plate is fixedly mounted or mountable onto the glove over theknuckle and/or metacarpal region. The remaining portions of the stripsthen extend away from the plate to overlie the fingers and be guided byrespective guide structures mounted on those fingers.

Preferably, each strip is formed of a plurality of alternate thicker andthinner regions as provided, for example, by a series of transverseslits along the longitudinal axis of each strip, to enhance theflexibility of the strip.

In preferred embodiments each strip is generally triangular incross-section with an upstanding apex. This shape provides for strength,flexibility and best impact protection for the underlying delicatefinger bones.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described further, by way of example, withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a preferred practical left-hand embodiment ofthe hand protection system of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded perspective view of the same embodiment,viewed from above;

FIG. 3 is a corresponding enlarged, exploded perspective view of theFIG. 1 embodiment, viewed from the underside;

FIG. 4 is a corresponding, enlarged, exploded end view of the FIG. 1embodiment, viewed from the finger end;

FIG. 5 is a reduced scale perspective view of a glove fitted with thehand protection system shown in FIGS. 1 to 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view, corresponding to FIG. 1, of a modified embodimentof the hand protection system according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of a glove fitted with a second embodiment of thehand protection system of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a plan view, corresponding to FIG. 7, of a third embodiment ofthe hand protection system of the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a reduced scale perspective view of a fourth embodiment (alsoleft-hand) of the hand protection system of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to FIGS. 1 to 5, a preferred practical embodiment ofthe system of the invention comprises a plurality of separatelyfabricated components which are assembled together for fitting onto theback portion of a glove 10 (FIG. 5). These components comprise a plateassembly, denoted generally by reference numeral 20, a plurality offlexible strips, also referred to as spines, 30, one for each finger,and a corresponding plurality of guide structures 40, again one for eachfinger. The housing assembly 20 is formed of three components, namely abase plate 22, which in use is secured to the fabric of the glove 10, anupper plate 24 which fits above the base plate 22 to provide tunnels forreception in slidable manner of proximal end regions of some of thespines 30, and an additional top plate 28 which overlies part of theupper plate 24 to provide additional protection. All these parts aretypically formed of suitable thermoplastic material, such as low-densitypolyurethane or polypropylene, although other materials are possible.Also, a soft silicone layer may the provided at the underside of thebase plate 22 to offer increased protection to the metacarpal region ofthe wearer's hand.

Each spine 30 is elongate and accordingly has a longitudinal axisbetween first and second opposing ends. A portion 32 at the first endprovides the sole means of fixing the respective spine 30 to the glove10, while the remainder of the spine is not fixedly attached but is heldin a position to overlie the respective finger of the glove 10. In thisembodiment the first end portion 32 of each spine 30 is formed as anenlarged region with a peripheral curving flange 34 adapted for securingto the fabric of the glove 10, for example by adhesive or stitching, andpossibly with an intervening layer of fabric. For each spine 30, therespective enlarged spine end region 32 is connected to its finger at alocation a short spacing from the fingertip. The spines 30 for overlyingthe first (index), second, third and fourth fingers have their endregions 32 attached at a position overlying the intermediate phalanges.The three spines 30 overlying the first second and third fingers are ofa suitable length to extend from aforesaid connection to the glove tosliding engagement below the upper plate 24, which is mounted over themetacarpal region.

Each spine 30 is generally triangular in cross-section, with anupstanding apex, and is provided with a plurality of transverse slits 38to enable a significant degree of flexing whenever the wearer of theglove curls that finger, in gripping or other movements. Small throughbores 39 are provided centrally of each transverse slit 38 to enhancethe flexibility of each spine 30. The length and cross-sectionalconfiguration of the spine 30, along with choice of material, serves toprotect the finger throughout its length, including the vulnerableregions at or adjacent the joints, against impact injuries.

As already mentioned, and as shown in FIG. 5, the plate assembly 20 ismounted onto the back of the glove 10 overlying the metacarpal region ofthe wearer's hand, just behind the main knuckles. It serves to locateand guide proximal ends of the spines 30 which overlie the first, secondand third fingers. The upper plate 24 includes three laterally spacedguide portions 26 of convexly curving cross-section, which therebyprovide tunnels, as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, for reception of thefree (unfixed) ends of these spines 30. These unfixed end regions of thespines 30 extend into the tunnels provided by the regions 26 in a freelyslidable manner so that as the user's hand or any individual finger isflexed into increasing curvature they slide outwardly, but once theuser's hand is straightened out again, they slide back inwardly of therespective tunnel.

The top plate 28 is secured to the upper plate 24 by its side edgesclipping below appropriately spaced latching members 21 projectingupwards from the two outermost tunnel forming regions 26.

The guide structures 40, of which there are five, one for each finger,and one for the thumb of the glove wearer, each comprise a curving baseplate 42 and an upstanding convex portion 44 defining a tunnel above thebase plate. The base plate 42 of each said member 40 is mounted onto theback of the glove 10 above the proximal phalange bone of each finger.Thus, as regards the first, second and third fingers the convex portions44 provide respective tunnels through which the respective spines 30extend, in an freely slidable manner, part way between their distal endattachment at portion 32 and their reception in the respective housingtunnels 26, as best shown in FIGS. 2 and 5.

The guide structures 40 for the thumb and the little finger are slightlydifferent as the free ends of their respective spines 30 do not locateinto guide means of the plate assembly 20. In the version shown in FIGS.2 to 5, the guide structure 40 for the thumb has a closed end 46 to itstunnel forming convex portion 44, thus providing, in effect, a socketwhich slidingly receives the free end portion of a similar spine 130mounted over the thumb. (This is not shown in FIG. 1, where the free endof the spine 130 is shown extending through a guide structure 40 ofsimilar form to those employed for the spines of the above-mentionedfingers.) The guide structure 44 for the fourth (little) finger is alsomodified by having an extension 48 to its base plate 42 for more secureattachment purposes and to offer a greater abrasion resistance at theside of the little finger.

FIG. 6 shows an alternative version of the system where open guidestructures 140 are provided in place of the above-described closed guidestructures 40. These open guide structures 140 differ only in that theydo not provide a tunnel forming convex portion for the spines 30 toslide through, but instead provide two edge engagement lugs 143,145upstanding from a base plate 142. These lugs 143,145 face each other andslidingly retain side edges of the respective spine 30. In all otherrespects, the system is the same as in FIG. 1, and the same referencenumerals have been used to denote corresponding parts.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show two further embodiments from which the plate assembly20 is absent, as such a plate assembly is not always necessary. In theembodiment of FIG. 7, spines 50 are shown provided over the first secondand third fingers of a glove 51. These spines 50 are essentially thesame as the spines 30 in the previous embodiment, and are secured atfirst end portions 52 in the vicinity of the fingertips, with theremaining portion of each spine 50 being slidably displaceable along thelongitudinal axis of the spine 50 by locating through a respective guidestructure 54, which is mounted onto the finger at a spacing from thesecured first end portion 52. The guide structures 54 are similar to thepreviously described guide structures 40 in the preceding embodiment andinclude a base plate attached to the glove fabric and a convex portionproviding a tunnel into and through which a free end region of the spine50 projects.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, spines 60 are shown provided over the firstsecond and third fingers of a glove 61. These spines 60 are againessentially the same in structure as the spines 30 in the previousembodiment. However, in this case they are secured at first end portions62 in the vicinity of the knuckles, with the remaining unconnected anddisplaceable portion of each spine 60 extending towards the fingertipsand being slidably displaceable along the longitudinal axis of the spine60 by locating through two spaced apart respective guide structures 64.The guide structures 64 are again similar to the previously describedguide structures 40 in the preceding embodiment and include a base plateattached to the glove fabric and a convex portion providing tunnelsthrough which the unconnected, displaceable region of the spines 60extend.

FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the hand protection system ofthe invention. The tunnel housing assembly, designated generally byreference numeral 120, is essentially the same as in precedingembodiment. The flexible spines for overlying the respective fingers aresomewhat different to the preceding embodiment, as those for the first,second and third fingers are provided in two parts 132, 134. The distalparts 132 are each provided with a respective terminal enlargement 133for securing onto the glove region overlying the intermediate phalanges,but otherwise are much shorter than in previous embodiment. The proximalparts 134 have enlarged end regions 136 which, in addition to being forsecuring onto the glove region overlying the proximal phalanges, providetunnels, in the manner of sockets, for receiving respective ends of thedistal parts 132 in slidable manner. Accordingly, the enlarged endregions 136 take the place of the separate, tunnel forming attachmentmembers 40 in the preceding embodiment. A separate tunnel formingattachment member 140 is provided for the slidable reception of the freeend of the spine 131 overlying the little finger. A spine 138 foroverlying the thumb is simply designed to overlie the joint and hasrespective enlarged ends 139 for securing to the glove at each side ofthe joint.

The invention is not restricted to the precise details of any foregoingembodiments, and other variations are possible in other embodiments aswill be evident to any person skilled in this technical field.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words“comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but notlimited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude othercomponents. Throughout the description and claims of this specification,the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwiserequires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, thespecification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well assingularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features described in conjunction with a particular embodiment orexample of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to anyother embodiment or example described herein unless incompatibletherewith.

1. A glove comprising a plurality of elongate flexible strips overlying respective fingers, each strip having a longitudinal axis between first and second opposing ends, wherein each strip has a first end portion fixedly attached to the glove and a remaining portion, extending to the second end, which is free to move relative to the glove and wherein a plurality of discrete guide structures are attached to the glove, at least one for each finger, at a spacing remote from the first end portion of each strip such that the strip extends across, through or into the guide structure and is thereby held in position on the glove in a manner which allows sliding displacement of the remaining portion of the strip along the longitudinal axis of the strip.
 2. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each guide structure is configured to provide at least edge engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of the respective strip.
 3. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each guide structure is configured to provide a tunnel through which or into which the respective strip extends.
 4. A glove according to claim 1, additionally comprising a plate mounted over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand, the plate being configured to provide plural adjacent guide portions for the second ends of the respective strips.
 5. A glove according to claim 4, wherein each guide portion is configured to provide at least edge engagement means for slidingly retaining side edges of the respective strip.
 6. A glove according to claim 4, wherein each guide portion is configured to provide a tunnel into which the second end of the respective strip is to project.
 7. A glove according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion of the respective strips are permanently connected to a plate which is fixedly mounted onto the glove over the knuckle and/or metacarpal region of the hand.
 8. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip is formed of a plurality of alternate thicker and thinner regions along its longitudinal axis.
 9. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip has a series of transverse slits provided along its longitudinal axis.
 10. A glove according to claim 1, wherein each strip is generally triangular in cross-section, with an upstanding apex. 